Sizzix Die Cutters -Anyone have any knowledge of them?

PootleFlump_3

Does anyone have any recommendations as to which one to get? I was looking at the Big Shot but see that there is also a plug in one version of this too and Im not sure which to get (or if there are any others that are better.) Primarily going to use it for die cutting fabric/felt although will probably use it for paper/cardstock as well. Also not sure which has best range of dies or if all dies fit in all machines and although Ive looked on web Im still unsure. Any help would be much appreciated!! Thanks in advance.

JailhouseBabe

Sorry can't actually offer advice as I've never used one, but I would suggest asking this question on the cardmaking thread as I know there are women there who have different types of die-cutters.

li'l_p

I have the Cuttlebug as I upgraded from the Big Shot. Most people tend to either go for the Cuttlebug or Big Shot. Both can cut most manufacturers dies.

The only reason I changed to the Cuttlebug from the BS is that with the BS you need to use adapters if you want to cut the thinner metal dies; i.e. QuicKutz, but with the Cuttlebug you don't. Plus the Cuttlebug is compact, the 'sides' fold up for ease of storage.

Either the Big Shot or Cuttlebug you won't be disappointed and can use a wide variety of dies. I wouldn't be able to comment on the more high spec electronic type cutting machines. You may be better off starting with a Big Shot or Cuttlebug, seeing if it suits your needs and then if you really get into it, progress to the higher end machines... just a thought.

Dies for these are really cheap nowadays. Good sites are ebay (just don't pay over what they sell at in the shops - I've seen this a lot!) or places like Crafts U Love or Cutting Edge Crafts are favourites of mine. Reasonable prices, etc.

Hope this helps.

LJM

i did have a cuttlebug but sold it didnt really get on with it i am wanting a big shot i am just using my xcut atm does the job till i finish saving

helping_hubby

I had the same dilemma as you. I went for the BigShot in the end because it can take the really large. The BigShot is quite chunky and takes up room, but that's not an issue for me. I have the manual one. I think the electric one is good for if you have no strength in your hands to wind it. Otherwise the manual one is fine. You could phone up some craft shops near you and see if they have one to demo (lots of craft shops have demos and classes - so they might have a cuttlebug/bigshot that you could try out).

Price wise they are pretty similar. I got my BigShot from craftsuperstore for £55. I believe Cuttlebugs are about the same.

genieuk

Hi Pootle

I still have the original red sizzix machine where you have to pull the handle down as well as the big shot. No experience of any of the others but I do like the big shot as I can use my sizzlits (the thinner ones) and much larger dies. Think I also have an embossing folder. Everything came in the box there is a kind of book you open out depending on which die you are using and you insert the paper and die between two plastic cutting mats and just roll it through so the correct pressure is applied.

Did spot the electric one the other day but didn't compare prices. Have only used bigshot for paper and cardstock, good idea about material though nice for applique.

funnyfreckle

Hi, I'm afraid I have a question too. (Sorry Pootle not to be able to help!)

I want to treat myself to a Big Shot for my birthday - can anyone tell me which dies can be used with the Bigshot? I know Sizzix and sizzlits can but are there any others? Also what is a reasonable price to pay on e-bay? I am desperate for a Daisy die and have just been outbid on about 4 different occasions despite bidding over £10.

A daft question - nested dies - do they produce three different shapes in different sizes or do the larger shapes have holes in them? Does that make sense?!

A big thankyou to anyone who can help.

LJM

i was under the impression you could use most dies with the big shot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is4dGSQDCWQ

hope this helps

funnyfreckle

LJM thanks for your help.

For some reason I can't view that clip on youtube - don't know what I am doing wrong but I will keep on trying!